Women outside of America have achieved high political power and have been doing so for some time.

But Assege HaileMariam said she finds it surprising that the United States is not at the forefront of that development.

It is common in the United States to believe that women and politics do not go together, but she wants to help women understand that it is possible and can be achieved.

Anyone who is interested in leadership must first be prepared; and this is true for women as well, said HaileMariam, of the psychology department and faculty senate chair.

“Education and having a passion for what you want to get involved in are the obvious,” she said. “Critical skills for leadership, I believe, are effective, interpersonal and communication skills.”

HaileMariam will lead the forum discussion, “Lessons Learned From Great Women Leaders,” at 2:30 today in the Charleston/Mattoon Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

“We want to learn exactly how we can increase participation of women in politics,” said Penka Skachkova, of the women’s studies department. “It should be made interesting and exciting for women and girls to be a part of.”

The fact that there is a public debate about whether or not the United States is ready for a woman president is disheartening, HaileMariam said.

“Around the world, historically or currently, women have successfully led nations,” she said.

Women such as President Tarja Halonen (Finland), Vice-President Annette Lu Hsiu-lien (Taiwan) and Prime Minister Golda Meir (Israel) have been powerful political figures for their countries.

“This is a great achievement for the other countries, but very unfortunate for us because we are still behind in the accomplishments they are making,” Skachkova said.

The U.S. House of Representatives holds 13 percent women and Congress contains 12 percent.

Although it is a small statistic, Skachkova said people have to understand the adverseness of the number.

In 1979, 3 percent of the U.S. Congress were women, so the number is increasing, but at a slow rate.

Skachkova said this is why we need to learn how other countries succeed in electing women officials.

Looking at the examples and accomplishments of other countries can help us grow in our own culture, she said.

HaileMariam will explore great women leaders and discuss how her leadership style has been shaped by women’s political participation in other countries, said Sue Songer, of the international programs office.

“Professor HaileMariam is a well-known personality on campus and is chair of the faculty senate, which is a powerful leadership role for a woman to hold,” Songer said.

Skachkova said she is looking forward to the discussion.

“She is an absolutely fascinating speaker and doesn’t leave anybody feeling indifferent, she said. “Her way of expressing herself is very unique and emotional, as she relates all her information with her own personal experiences.”